As we commemorate the International Day of Democracy, Solomon Islands has elected to dedicate the celebration of its 46 years of democracy to the theme 'Democracy for the people, by the people.' As the current Deputy Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, I am honored to reflect on the democratic journey of the Hapi Isles and UNDP's contribution.

In this capacity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Solomon Islanders and to the institutions that have been instrumental in making this celebration possible: the Political Parties Commission, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, Transparency Solomon Islands and the National Parliament.

At the root of Democracy, as the Greeks understood it, are two words: Demos and Kratos, which mean ‘people’ and ‘strength or rule’ – echoing this year´s theme. Combined, these two words came together to give birth to a revolutionary idea that has inspired many generations since – the idea that the fate of a nation lies in its own hands.

And so it is in Solomon Islands today: GNUT - the Government for National Unity and Transformation, has set for itself an ambitious mission indeed: to unite and transform the nation.  

At UNDP, our role in supporting the democratic vision of unity and transformation is deeply ingrained in our mandate. We believe that democratic institutions can serve as the foundation for peace, prosperity, equality, and inclusion. Throughout our work, we emphasize that these institutions, when functioning well, give a voice to the people and their aspirations.

Our partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands and key integrity institutions reflects our commitment to the democratic process. Projects like the Strengthening the Electoral Cycle of Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP), the Provincial Governments and Service Delivery Project, and the Strengthening Parliamentary Development in Solomon Islands Project offer support to the nation’s vision of strengthening democracy for the people, by the people.

A highlight of this year's democratic journey was April’s General Elections, supported by SECSIP, a UNDP flagship project that has been engaged in strengthening the democratic process since 2013. Now in its third phase, SECSIP provides technical assistance, logistical support, and enhances the capacity of electoral bodies. The Solomon Islands Electoral Operations Centre, inaugurated last year, stands as a testament to these ongoing efforts.

We have further engaged with legal experts, community leaders, and civil society across all provinces to support the Government in building consensus on improving the legal side of the electoral process - notably through the Provincial Government (Amendment) Act, the Provincial Assemblies and Honiara City Councils Act and the Electoral (Amendment) Act - to facilitate this year´s Joint Election. We have furthered our partnerships with women’s organizations, including the National and Provincial Councils of Women, and helped establish the Solomon Islands Outstanding Women Network. The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy (2022-2024), ratified last year, is a milestone in amplifying women’s voices and enhancing their participation in democratic processes.

At provincial level, through the Provincial Governments and Service Delivery project, we support the Government in strengthening decentralization, emphasizing the importance of partnerships at the provincial level, while mainstreaming gender to ensure equal opportunities in accessing services and participating in decision-making processes exists, as well as leveraging technology and innovative approaches. Working together, we hope to improve governance, service delivery, climate resilience, and citizen engagement within the provinces with the overall objective of a more inclusive and resilient society.

Finally, following this year’s elections, we worked alongside the National Parliament to support the induction of the 12th Parliament’s 50 members—both new and returning MPs. This week-long program focused on topics such as the separation of powers, parliamentary roles, engagement with marginalized groups like women and youth, and media relations, ensuring that MPs are well-equipped to uphold democratic values throughout their term.

As UNDP, we work hand-in-hand with the Government of Solomon Islands, integrity institutions and civil society, as well as international partners, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

I would like to extend our gratitude to these partners for their continued trust and collaboration, and to the Government of Solomon Islands for supporting UNDP in our contribution to these meaningful endeavors. Together, we will continue to shape a future that truly gives voice to a vison of unity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for the people, by the people.

Dr. Raluca Eddon serves as Deputy Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme Solomon Islands Office in Honiara.